The Arena ®
Overview
Were partnering with a fast-growing defense technology company transforming national security with AI, advanced sensor systems, and secure data solutions. The team combines seasoned operators and technologists with deep mission expertise to build tools that directly support U.S. defense and intelligence operations. The company operates with a startup mindset agile, collaborative, and mission-focused tackling hard challenges in defense tech. If youre looking to apply your engineering skills on work thats innovative and meaningful, this is the opportunity. About the Role
As a Data Engineer, youll design and run secure data pipelines that enable AI/ML models to operate in challenging environments. Youll collaborate with mission engineers, data scientists, and operators to turn raw sensor data into real-time insights all while working in a fast-paced, startup culture. Applicants must have a fully adjudicated Secret Clearance no exceptions or sponsorship. Key Responsibilities Build and maintain secure pipelines for machine learning and analytics Ingest, transform, and validate high-volume data with traceability Optimize workflows for real-time and batch operations Partner with mission teams to align infrastructure with operational needs Ensure compliance with strict data security and governance standards
Required Qualifications
Active Secret clearance (required). 47 years in data engineering, ideally within secure/classified environments. Strong with
Python and Spark ; confident writing production-ready SQL. Experience with
orchestration frameworks
(Airflow, Kubernetes, or similar). Hands-on with
binary serialization
(Protobuf, Arrow, FlatBuffers, Capn Proto, or custom formats). Familiarity with
columnar storage
(Parquet, Avro) and modern analytic storage (Iceberg, DuckDB). Understanding of
secure networking, STIG/DoD compliance, and high-side/air-gapped environments . Startup mindset : collaborative, adaptable, and motivated by mission impact.
Bonus Points
Background with secure cloud (AWS GovCloud, C2S) Knowledge of Rust, C++, or Zig Experience deploying ML/LLMs in classified networks (SIPR/JWICS)
If youre a mission-driven data engineer looking to apply your skills in a meaningful, high-impact role, this is the opportunity to be part of something that truly matters. Additional Information Seniority level: Mid-Senior level Employment type: Full-time Job function: Engineering and Information Technology Industries: Data Infrastructure and Analytics; Computer and Network Security
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at The Arena by 2x. Benefits Medical insurance Vision insurance 401(k) Paid paternity leave Paid maternity leave Disability insurance
Get notified about new Data Engineer jobs in
Washington DC-Baltimore Area . #J-18808-Ljbffr
Were partnering with a fast-growing defense technology company transforming national security with AI, advanced sensor systems, and secure data solutions. The team combines seasoned operators and technologists with deep mission expertise to build tools that directly support U.S. defense and intelligence operations. The company operates with a startup mindset agile, collaborative, and mission-focused tackling hard challenges in defense tech. If youre looking to apply your engineering skills on work thats innovative and meaningful, this is the opportunity. About the Role
As a Data Engineer, youll design and run secure data pipelines that enable AI/ML models to operate in challenging environments. Youll collaborate with mission engineers, data scientists, and operators to turn raw sensor data into real-time insights all while working in a fast-paced, startup culture. Applicants must have a fully adjudicated Secret Clearance no exceptions or sponsorship. Key Responsibilities Build and maintain secure pipelines for machine learning and analytics Ingest, transform, and validate high-volume data with traceability Optimize workflows for real-time and batch operations Partner with mission teams to align infrastructure with operational needs Ensure compliance with strict data security and governance standards
Required Qualifications
Active Secret clearance (required). 47 years in data engineering, ideally within secure/classified environments. Strong with
Python and Spark ; confident writing production-ready SQL. Experience with
orchestration frameworks
(Airflow, Kubernetes, or similar). Hands-on with
binary serialization
(Protobuf, Arrow, FlatBuffers, Capn Proto, or custom formats). Familiarity with
columnar storage
(Parquet, Avro) and modern analytic storage (Iceberg, DuckDB). Understanding of
secure networking, STIG/DoD compliance, and high-side/air-gapped environments . Startup mindset : collaborative, adaptable, and motivated by mission impact.
Bonus Points
Background with secure cloud (AWS GovCloud, C2S) Knowledge of Rust, C++, or Zig Experience deploying ML/LLMs in classified networks (SIPR/JWICS)
If youre a mission-driven data engineer looking to apply your skills in a meaningful, high-impact role, this is the opportunity to be part of something that truly matters. Additional Information Seniority level: Mid-Senior level Employment type: Full-time Job function: Engineering and Information Technology Industries: Data Infrastructure and Analytics; Computer and Network Security
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at The Arena by 2x. Benefits Medical insurance Vision insurance 401(k) Paid paternity leave Paid maternity leave Disability insurance
Get notified about new Data Engineer jobs in
Washington DC-Baltimore Area . #J-18808-Ljbffr